Premier League Preview: Birmingham City vs. LiverpooL

Sandwiched in between Liverpool's Champions League semi-final tie with the Blues of Chelsea comes this clash against the relegation-threatened Blues at St. Andrew's.

The home side were on the side of a derby hammering last week last week as they showed their defensive vulnerability against free scoring second city neighbours Aston Villa.

That derby consigned Birmingham to the relegation zone for the first time since February, but they have impressed in front of their own fans this season and boss Alex McLeish has a couple of aces up his sleeve in the form of talented forwards James McFadden and Mauro Zarate.

Having drawn with Arsenal and beaten Manchester City and Tottenham already this season, Birmingham will be confident of producing another good performance in front of their passionate home crowd against a Liverpool side that will surely have one eye on their perfectly poised Champions League return leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Alex McLeish earned a reputation for causing upsets when he was manager of Scotland, who twice defeated France under his guidance. He expects a reaction from his side following what he described as "the worst derby defeat I have had as a manager". McLeish expects a reaction from his side tomorrow, "What has been evident in this team is that we are capable of bouncing back and we can do it again."

An improvement at the back will be needed to negate the threat of a Liverpool attack that is likely to include Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant, both on the scoresheet away to Fulham last week, as well as Andriy Voronin and Yossi Benayoun - all players who can trouble Blues.

Liverpool are likely to rest a number of their main players, just as they did at Craven Cottage last week, but even that weakened side contained 10 internationals. Whatever side Benitez chooses, he will expect to have too much for a newly-promoted outfit who have only won one of their seven. In any case, the previous three meetings between the clubshave ended in a draw, a result that may suit both teams again on Saturday evening.

It will be interesting to see if John Arne Riise is selected after his last-minute own goal handed Chelsea a crucial away goal at Anfield on Tuesday. The Norwegian left footer will have been rocked by his error, but with first choice left back Fabio Aureliio missing, Benitez may use this game as a confidence booster for Riise ahead of the return leg against Chelsea. Alternatively, Benitez may blood Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua, who has been impressing in the reserves all season.

FORM GUIDE

Birmingham

Aston Villa - Birmingham 5 - 1 20/04/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Birmingham - Everton 1 - 1 12/04/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Wigan Athletic - Birmingham 2 - 0 05/04/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Birmingham - Manchester City 3 - 1 29/03/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Reading - Birmingham 2 - 1 22/03/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Birmingham - Newcastle 1 - 1 17/03/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool

Liverpool - Chelsea 1 - 1 22/04/2008 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Fulham - Liverpool 0 - 2 19/04/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Blackburn 3 - 1 13/04/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Arsenal 4 - 2 08/04/2008 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Arsenal - Liverpool 1 - 1 05/04/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal - Liverpool 1 - 1 02/04/2008 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham

Sebastien Larsson is set to return from a knee injury to provide Birmingham with some more creativity in midfield. Captain Damien Johnson is serving a three match ban.

Last Starting XI (4-4-2 v Aston Villa): Maik Taylor - Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Murphy - Jerome (Kapo 58), Nafti, Muamba, McSheffrey, Zarate (Forssell 58), McFadden.

Liverpool

With fourth place all but sewn up, expect Benitez to rest a few key figures ahead of the Champions League return leg against Chelsea on Wednesday. Fabio Aurelio misses out with the groin injury he picked up in midweek, Daniel Agger is still missing with a foot knock, and Harry Kewell is unlikely to play for the club again as he has a hamstring injury that should keep him out until his contract runs out this summer.

Last Starting XI (4-2-3-1 v Chelsea): Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio (Riise 61) - Mascherano, Alonso - Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel (Benayoun 75) - Torres.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Birmingham - Mauro Zarate - The skillful Argentine has produced flashes of brilliance since he joined Blues on loan in January. The 20 year old forward has scored four goals already, and his goals have been key in the win over Manchester City and the draw with Everton that could end up preserving Birmingham's Premier League status. Showed his inexperience with a petulant reaction to being subbed at Villa last week, but if picked, he will be the best chance Birmingham have of upsetting the Reds.

Liverpool - Jermaine Pennant - Pennant returns to St. Andrews on the back of a goal last week at Fulham. The former Blues loan signing has lost his place in Liverpool's first team this season, so he will have a point to prove to both sets of fans on Saturday. Has crossing to the excellent Peter Crouch could be vital in sending his former club back to the Championship.

MPs To Investigate Liverpool Power Struggle

Liverpool's power struggle between the club's American owners will be part of a new inquiry into football by MPs.

The All Party Parliamentary Football Group is to launch a new inquiry into English football and its governance, and the Liverpool crisis is one of the areas it will target.

The club's progress to the Champions League semi-finals has been overshadowed by a row between co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Alan Keen MP, chairman of the group, said: 'English club football is enjoying great success in Europe at the moment.

'Yet many questions remain about the standard of corporate governance and whether it is best equipped to deal, at every level, with the long-term challenges of the game's future. This is the focus of the group's new inquiry.

'The group will examine case studies on governance, including Liverpool FC where the role of the owners has raised significant public concerns and overshadowed achievements on the field.'

The MPs, who published a comprehensive report into the game four years ago, plan to produce the new report in the autumn.

The takeover of Liverpool by Hicks and Gillett has thrown the issue of foreign ownership into the spotlight. Despite insisting they would not do so, the Americans tried to load the debt from the takeover on to the club and have since fallen out completely.

With the power split, the club is locked in a stalemate with Hicks demanding the resignation of chief executive Rick Parry and Gillett insisting he must stay.

The group's last report recommended a radical re-distribution of football's riches coupled with tougher corporate governance standards throughout the game.

Keen said there had been some improvements within the game since then but no, or slow, progress on the majority of their recommendations.

"Much of the game's corporate governance structure is opaque, to say the least, and does not reflect the best examples of British business," he added.

Rafa Won't Take Any Risks

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he is wary about risking his big-name players in Saturday's game at Birmingham City.

The trip to St Andrews is sandwiched between the club's UEFA Champions League semi-final tussle with Chelsea, with the first leg having finished 1-1 at Anfield on Tuesday.

Benitez will send his team out at Birmingham this weekend mindful of the implications of any of his key players picking up injuries ahead of next Wednesday's jaunt to Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have both asked to play against Birmingham, but Benitez is not keen to gamble with his squad.

"Everybody wants to play every game, I was talking with two or three big names and they said 'I want to play, I want to play', but I will have to analyse each one and then decide," said Benitez.

"The most important thing is the team and the club, so I cannot say 'yes' to everyone. It will mean I am taking risks, and I do not want to take risks.

"But the players want to play as much as possible, it shows the character and the mentality of the team."

The Reds sent out a shadow side to beat Fulham 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend and Benitez feels this Saturday's match with Birmingham is a chance for his fringe players to stake a claim for a possible Champions League final appearance.

He added: "I have told the players that it is important for everyone to play well, show quality and be ready, you never know when you will be needed.

"So whoever plays against Birmingham, or the weekend after against Manchester City, they have to play well. They may even have a chance to play in the final.

"We showed at Fulham that we have a squad strong enough to win games like this. We will try, more or less, to do the same this time.

"We will use different players and try to win because we want to make sure of fourth position.

"We will again use our full squad, but also pick a side to win at Birmingham. We did the same thing at Fulham, and won. People can complain, but everyone really needs to think about his own team."

Liverpool Close In On Swiss Defender Transfer Target

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Swiss international right-back Philipp Degen – as Rafael Benitez revealed that he discussed summer transfer targets with co-owner Tom Hicks at Melwood this week.

Hicks visited Liverpool’s training ground on Wednesday to meet Benitez and both parties have described the talks as being positive.

The Spaniard claims that the main topic of discussion was identifying potential new signings to bolster his squad for next season and one of the first of them should be Borussia Dortmund’s Degen, 25, who is out of contract with the German club at the end of the current campaign.

Benitez remained tight-lipped yesterday as to how close Liverpool are to sealing the move, confirming that talks are “progressing” for at least one of his targets but it is believed that many of the crucial elements of the deal are already in place.

Degen has made more than 70 Bundesliga appearances since his move from Basel, where his twin brother David still plays, in 2005.

Liverpool are also running the rule over Athletic Bilbao centre-back Fernando Amorebieta having sent one of their scouts to watch him in Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing of Benitez’s former club Valencia.

The 6ft3in 23-year-old has been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Amorebieta was born in Venezuela but he moved to the Basque country, where both his parents originate from, as a youngster.

Benitez claims that ownership issues of the club did not crop up during his talks with Hicks at Melwood but confirmed that transfer discussions were top of the agenda. He said: “It was a very positive meeting. We were talking about some targets, everybody knows the names and how we have to progress.

“I think everyone agrees, we are progressing and I am satisfied. I have two owners, a chief executive and as manager I have a responsibility to improve the squad for next season.”

Benitez added: “We have a scouting department that is doing a fantastic job. The key is to inform everyone, so that everyone knows what the situation is.

“I don’t think we will need too much. The squad is much better now. We know what we need to sign, maybe four or five players. I don’t think we will need to spend big, big money, it is just doing the deals at the right moment.”

Benitez also revealed that the situation regarding the Anfield hierarchy speaking to Jurgen Klinsmann had also been clarified.

Liverpool’s owners disclosed that they had spoken to the former German national team coach late last year after a fall-out with Benitez over his role regarding transfers.

However, with the Spaniard hoping to remain at Anfield and now supposedly backed by Hicks, the situation has been resolved.

Benitez said: “I clarified everything. (regarding Klinsmann). We were talking about our targets. I think everyone will agree with the targets we want to sign and that is important for me.”

Meanwhile, Benitez confirmed that left-back Fabio Aurelio, who was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday will be out for three weeks.

The Brazilian suffered a tear to his adductor muscle and will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign but could return for the Champions League final should Liverpool reach Moscow.

Liverpool Stadium Plan To Be Approved Next Week

Liverpool FC’s third stadium plan is set to get the go-ahead next week.

City planners have recommended the £350m proposal for a 60,000-seater ground is approved by councillors..

However, progress on the stadium is likely to remain in doubt as long as the ownership stand-off continues.

Liverpool’s original building plan for Stanley Park was backed by the council as far back as 2004.

American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett ordered a massive redesign when they took over the club last year and their plan was approved last summer.

But it was shelved and redrawn a second time by Dallas-based architects HKS earlier this year when the tycoons decided it was too expensive.

Next month, councillors will have their say on a scheme showing a number of crucial changes, including:

The future capacity of New Anfield, after any expansion, has been reduced from 76,000 to 73,000.

The underground car park beneath the stadium has been halved in size.

A three-storey car park will be located under tennis courts and a games area in Stanley Park, shielded from Priory Road by a “green wall”.

The width, length and height of the stadium has been reduced by several metres.

The roof opening is smaller and designed differently to keep the crowd dry and help the pitch grow.

Plans for public viewing areas, a “skywalk” and roof terrace restaurant in the new Kop stand have been scrapped.

The redesign does not affect the restoration of the remainder of Stanley Park, which is underway and expected to finish in December.

A council report says: “The overall form of the stadium, with the Kop as the main generator of the building form will add to the city skyline, and create a positive landmark and a focus for further investment.

“The changes introduced in March do little to dilute the architectural quality of the proposed stadium.”

Planners said the scheme should be agreed if Liverpool agreed to meet certain conditions.

The club must make sure spectators leaving their cars in the stadium’s 970 parking spaces arrive an hour before kick-off and wait an hour after the final whistle to leave.

It must also pay for a yearly review of the residents-only parking zone around Anfield for five years after the ground opens – and fund any expansion of it.

Several community groups have objected to the plan, including Priory Area Residents Association (Para), Friends of Stanley Park and Stanley Park Preservation Society.

The council’s planning committee meets on May 6.

Rafa Benitez Urges Fringe Liverpool Men To Step Up

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will warn his shadow squad that they must be ready to step into the Champions League.

Benitez will send out another second-string side at relegation-threatened Birmingham tomorrow as he prepares for next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg at Chelsea.

The Spaniard has proved in the past that he has no qualms about fielding youngsters and squad players ahead of big European nights.

And whatever the managers of Birmingham’s relegation rivals say on the issue, Benitez will not be moved.

But he also sees a genuine need for the players who will perform at St Andrews to prove to him they can be used in the Champions League if needed.

Benitez said: "I have told the players that it is important for everyone to play well, show quality and be ready, you never know when you will be needed.

"So whoever plays against Birmingham, or the weekend after against Manchester City, they have to play well. They may even have a chance to play in the final."

Already John Arne Riise, scorer of the own-goal that has given Chelsea a priceless 1-1 draw from the first leg, finds himself thrust into possible action at Stamford Bridge.

Riise was in the ’weakened’ side that won 2-0 at Fulham last week - another team selection that drew howls of protest beforehand.

But with Fabio Aurelio out for three weeks with a torn abductor muscle, Riise now finds himself a contender for the left-back role at Stamford Bridge.

And famously, Benitez recalls how Vladimir Smicer, who knew his contract was not going to be renewed, came off the bench in Istanbul in 2005 to score one of Liverpool’s crucial comeback goals in the final against AC Milan.

Benitez said: "Fabio Aurelio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us, he knows he will get his opportunities now."

The Reds boss revealed that he has been badgered by senior men who want to play at St Andrews.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina is desperate to maintain his record of playing in every league game this season, while Fernando Torres wants to play to get his scoring boots back on after unusually missing three great chances against Chelsea in midweek.

Captain Steven Gerrard has also expressed a wish to play. But Benitez says: "Everybody wants to play every game, I was talking with two or three big names and they said ’I want to play, I want to play’ but I will have to analyse each one and then decide.

"The most important thing is the team and the club, so I cannot say ’yes’ to everyone. It will mean I am taking risks, and I do not want to take risks.

"But the players want to play as much as possible, it shows the character and the mentality of the team."

He added: "We showed at Fulham that we have a squad strong enough to win games like this. We will try, more or less, to do the same this time.

"We will use different players and try to win because we want to make sure of fourth position.

"We have not had too many good experiences at Birmingham in the league, they are a difficult side to play against.

"We will again use our full squad, but also pick a side to win at Birmingham. We did the same thing at Fulham, and won. People can complain but everyone really needs to think about his own team.

"We still need a point to be fourth. I cannot see Everton winning all three of their final games, but we need to make sure for ourselves as quickly as possible.

"Birmingham need to win and the game will be tough and physical. They will be playing under pressure because there are so many teams around the relegation zone. You win one game and jump a few places, lose one and fall back again. It is very tough for them."

Benitez will also have one eye ahead of the Birmingham game on Chelsea’s lunchtime clash with Manchester United that could decide the title race.

Such a game could drain Chelsea, but Benitez says: "I am not sure that we have an advantage with Chelsea playing Manchester United on Saturday.

"We both will have four days to prepare for the second leg, and with us playing at Birmingham both clubs will face a physical, competitive match.

"Chelsea’s game will be intense, yes, but then I expect it to be the same at St Andrews because Birmingham are fighting to avoid relegation. In the end I do not see either of us having an advantage."

Atletico Not To Sell Reported Liverpool-Target Maxi

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has underlined their aim of keeping winger Maxi Rodriguez, who is reportedly a target for Liverpool, for the next season.

Reports in England on Thursday claimed that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is interested to sign the 27-year-old Argentina international, who could once again combine with Fernando Torres, who had moved to Anfield last summer from Vicente Calderon.

"We've still had no offer for him, but our idea is to have him with us next season," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"You'll have to ask them (Liverpool), but Atletico have no plans to sell Maxi."

Chelsea & Liverpool Battling For Bentley

Champions League semi-final adversaries Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly in competition for England winger David Bentley.

£15 million-rated Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley is likely to be the subject of a tug-of-war between Champions League and Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

According to The Times, Bentley has attracted attention from several leading clubs, including Newcastle United, but Chelsea are thought to be best placed for the ex-Arsenal man's signature, having the financial resources to out-bid their rivals should they choose to follow up their initial interest.

Chelsea would not be deterred by Blackburn's £15 million valuation and could treble the player's wages to £60,000 a week.

Matching that could be a problem for Liverpool, given their budgetary restraints and the current uncertainty surrounding the club's ownership.

Riise Fears For Anfield Future

Liverpool defender John Arne Riise fears he is heading for the Anfield exit in the summer.

The Norway international has one-year remaining on his present contract, but he has yet to hear from the club regarding an extension to that deal after falling out of favour on Merseyside this season.

Riise scored an injury-time own goal in Liverpool's 1-1 first leg draw with Chelsea at Anfield in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday to leave the Reds facing an uphill battle to reach their third final in four years.

And Riise - who is believed to be an end of season transfer target of Newcastle and Aston Villa - is keen to stay at Anfield, but the 27-year-old is concerned that his midweek howler could prove to be one of his last acts in a Liverpool shirt.

"I hope and still believe in a new contract with Liverpool," said Riise.

"But I cannot say definitely that I have a future here when I only have one year left of my deal and haven't heard anything from the club yet."

Liverpool Boss Benitez Intends To Burst Chelsea Bubble

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is aiming to ‘change the history’ by getting a result at Chelsea that will enable the Reds make it to the Champions League finals.

The Reds were jolted when the Blues got a crucial away goal last night in the semi-finals first leg at Anfield that ended in 1-1 draw, courtesy of a John Arne Riise own-goal deep into the stoppage time.

However, Benitez is confident his side has enough wherewithal to score at Stamford Bridge – a feat which the Reds have not achieved under the Spaniard’s management.

"It is not about tactics or changing our system, it is about taking the chances we create," Benitez said on the club’s official website.

"Chelsea don't lose at Stamford Bridge, but there's a time for everything. We can change history.

"People may say I should change the system to give them something else to think about. But we created four very clear chances in the first-leg, which is high for one of these games against Chelsea.

"Torres had two chances, Gerrard one, and Chelsea hardly had any, and we were winning until the last seconds. We know we can do it.

"We know that at Stamford Bridge it will be very difficult. A tough game, as always there, with little between the sides again."

"We know we have not scored in a game at Chelsea under my management, and we know they have such a good record there," he added.

"They also have a very long unbeaten run on their own ground, but there is a time for everything, maybe we can change the history of these matches by winning and scoring at Stamford Bridge.

"Stamford Bridge is a difficult stadium for everyone. Nobody has won there for two years and we know it will be difficult.

"This is the Champions League and we are very capable of scoring and winning at Stamford Bridge.

"It has been a long time since they lost at home, but someone has to do it soon and we want it to be us.”

The Blues have lost only once at home for over four years, that against Barcelona in February 2006.

Rafael Benitez Demands End To Anfield Turmoil

Rafael Benitez has urged Liverpool's warring parties to "work together" for the benefit of the club.

The Liverpool manager, who is in a position of strength while the ownership battle continues, warned his employers of the dangers of missing out on their summer transfer targets.

Benitez outlined what is needed for the club to progress in an important meeting with Tom Hicks, the co-owner, and his son Tom Jr, a director, at the club's Melwood training complex yesterday.

Hicks' fellow owner, George Gillett Jr, has also been made aware of the manager's position. Benitez knows that, in the current climate, neither Hicks nor Gillett will dare risk losing his support. It helps the manager that Dubai International Capital, who are still trying to buy into the club, have made it clear that Benitez has their support, too.

Benitez has drawn up a transfer wish list that reportedly includes Gareth Barry and David Bentley. "We have two owners and a chief executive," he said. "I need to progress, I have a responsibility as manager to prepare the squad for the future, to improve the squad.

"I had to talk to them [the owners]. It was a good, positive meeting. We have talked about targets in the transfer market and how this club must progress.

"I have not spoken to them about the ongoing situation, only how to improve and how to progress. It is important to sign the right players for the future, that was what I wanted to talk about.

"Now we have started to progress with some of our targets. It is okay, last week and this week it is the same. We are progressing so I believe we will be stronger next season. You need to keep going if you want to improve, that is what is really important."

Benitez was put in an uncomfortable position recently when Hicks attempted to use him as an ally against Gillett and Rick Parry, the chief executive. But the Spaniard has tried hard to limit his contact with Hicks to discussions on transfers.

Benitez added: "We need to work together, and he [Hicks] agreed with me that we must talk together. If we want to go forward and sign players, we have to all work together. Everything is positive. We have talked about targets to sign, that is my aim.

"I do not doubt we will achieve those targets. I have a scouting department that is working and progressing. Now I have told the owners how we need to progress.

"Rick Parry will be working too, and if everyone works hard and we work together, it will be easier. Clearly I expect agreement on recruiting players for the summer. We are ready now for going forward.

"Now we have had a meeting, we are in a better position. George knows about what was said, everybody knows. Everyone has the same information."

Riise Breaks His Silence On The Moment Of Madness That Shattered Liverpool

Liverpool's John Arne Riise has spoken for the first time about his last-gasp own goal against Chelsea.

The Norwegian full-back headed into his own net in the 95th minute of Tuesday night's semi-final first leg at Anfield, handing the Blues a priceless 1-1 draw.

"What can I say? I decided to stoop and head the ball in the direction it came from," said Riise.

But it was a swerving cross, the ball was wet, and it slid right off my forehead. It was a shock to see it lying in the goal.

"These things happen for defenders from time to time. I know how strong I am mentally and I will handle this and I will come back from an own goal like that.

"I have been involved in tougher things in my life than this and I know that I will handle this in a good way. I will try to turn this around to something positive."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said: "I have talked with John, and told him not to keep thinking about the own goal all of the time. He must come back and be ready."

Benitez also confirmed left-back Fabio Aurelio will be out injured for three weeks.

Riise came on as a second-half substitute for Aurelio on Tuesday and has now virtually been told he will play at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

Aurelio has a torn abductor muscle, and Benitez said: "He will be back in time for the final!"

"Fabio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us. The best solution would be for him to score at Stamford Bridge... in the right goal.

"If Riise scores the winning goal then that will be perfect for us."

Netting at Stamford Bridge will be no mean feat for Riise, whose reputation for scoring spectacular goals has been hit by a drought going back more than a year.

Benitez added: "He is really down, but the only way to change the situation is to score in the right net at Stamford Bridge. He knows that Fabio is injured, so he knows he will get his opportunities to play.

"He has scored lots of goals over a long time, and played a lot of matches for this club, so I am really disappointed for anyone but especially for him.

"He has played so well for this club, so for that to happen in the last seconds is the worst thing possible."

Liverpool’s Fabio Aurelio To Miss Remainder Of Premiership Season

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that defender Fabio Aurelio may not be able to play for the remainder of the season after he was diagnosed with a torn abductor muscle.

Aurelio had to be carried off the field in Tuesday’s Champions League Semi-Final draw against Chelsea after a mild challenge from Joe Cole.

Rafa Benitez said: "I have been talking with the doctor and with this kind of injury it usually takes a minimum of three weeks for the player to recover, so it will be very difficult for Fabio to play again this season.

"It is very disappointing because Fabio has been doing a good job for the team."

Benitez Challenges Riise

John Arne Riise has been challenged to erase the memory of his shattering Champions League own goal against Chelsea by firing Liverpool into the Moscow final.

The Norwegian full-back headed into his own net in the 95th minute of Tuesday night's semi-final first leg at Anfield, handing the Blues a priceless 1-1 draw.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez, who confirmed fellow left-back Fabio Aurelio will be out injured for three weeks, urged Riise to make amends for his mistake.

Riise came on as a second-half substitute for Aurelio on Tuesday and has now virtually been told he will play at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Aurelio has a torn abductor muscle, and Benitez said: "He will be out for three weeks, but back in time for the final!"

Riise spoke for the first time about his last-ditch howler on Thursday, saying: "What can I say? I decided to stoop and head the ball in the direction it came from.

"But it was a swerving cross, the ball was wet, and it slid right off my forehead. It was a shock to see it lying in the goal.

"These things happen for defenders from time to time. I know how strong I am mentally and I will handle this and I will come back from an own goal like that.

"I have been involved in tougher things in my life than this and I know that I will handle this in a good way. I will try to turn this around to something positive."

Benitez also confirmed he had spoken to Riise about the incident.

"I have talked with John, and told him not to keep thinking about the own goal all of the time. He must come- back and be ready," the Spaniard said.

"Fabio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us. The best solution would be for him to score at Stamford Bridge... in the right goal.

"If Riise scores the winning goal then that will be perfect for us."

Netting at Stamford Bridge will be no mean feat for Riise, whose reputation for scoring spectacular goals has been hit by a drought going back more than a year.

Benitez added: "He is really down, but the only way to change the situation is to score in the right net at Stamford Bridge. He knows that Fabio is injured, so he knows he will get his opportunities to play.

"He has scored lots of goals over a long time, and played a lot of matches for this club, so I am really disappointed for anyone but especially for him.

"He has played so well for this club, so for that to happen in the last seconds is the worst thing possible.

"We have tried to analyse what happened. (Javier) Mascherano and Aurelio could have stopped the cross, but when you are left-footed like John, the problem was whether he used his right foot to clear.

"That was the problem."

Steve Bruce Fears Over Liverpool Rotation Policy

Steve Bruce, the Wigan manager, has voiced fears that Rafael Benitez could distort the battle for Premier League survival this weekend by resting several key Liverpool players against third-bottom Birmingham at St Andrews on Saturday.

With Liverpool facing a decisive Champions League semi-final second-leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday, Bruce expects Anfield manager Benitez to leave a raft of leading players out of his plans at Birmingham in preparation for the return fixture against Chelsea.

Bruce, whose Wigan team can confirm their own Premier League future with victory at home to Reading on Saturday, said: "Whichever team Liverpool put out, they will be an outstanding team, but it would be nice if they put their big hitters out against Birmingham. I doubt it will happen, but we will have to wait and see."

Benitez was widely condemned last season for fielding a virtual second-team against Fulham in the build-up to last May's Champions League Final against AC Milan.

Fulham's 1-0 victory in that game proved enough for the Londoners to secure their Premier League future at the expense of Sheffield United, who occupied the final relegation spot, just one point below Fulham.

And despite Bolton manager Gary Megson raising his own concerns about the make-up of Benitez's team for last Saturday's league game at Fulham, which Liverpool won 2-0, the Merseysiders once again lined up at Craven Cottage without a number of first-choice players.

Bruce, whose Wigan team can confirm their own Premier League future with victory at home to Reading on Saturday, said: "Whichever team Liverpool put out, they will be an outstanding team, but it would be nice if they put their big hitters out against Birmingham. I doubt it will happen, but we will have to wait and see."

Benitez was widely condemned last season for fielding a virtual second-team against Fulham in the build-up to last May's Champions League Final against AC Milan.

Fulham's 1-0 victory in that game proved enough for the Londoners to secure their Premier League future at the expense of Sheffield United, who occupied the final relegation spot, just one point below Fulham.

And despite Bolton manager Gary Megson raising his own concerns about the make-up of Benitez's team for last Saturday's league game at Fulham, which Liverpool won 2-0, the Merseysiders once again lined up at Craven Cottage without a number of first-choice players.

Team-mates Rally Aound John Arne Riise

Ever since John Arne Riise announced himself on the Anfield scene with a blockbuster of a free kick against Manchester United in November 2001, Liverpool supporters have serenaded the Norwegian to the tune of the old Bruce Channel hit Hey Baby, altering the lyrics to ask him not whether he will be their girl but how he scored “that goal”.

That goal, though, has been replaced in Liverpudlian minds by the fateful moment on Tuesday night when, in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, Riise sent a header past José Manuel Reina in front of an incredulous Kop. In the genre of tragicomic own goals, it was a classic and his humiliation can only have been heightened by the significance of an act that handed Chelsea the initiative in the tie.

Trudging out of Anfield afterwards, his spirits unlikely to have been lifted by being chosen at random to undergo doping tests, he said little. “What can I say?” he said. “I'm devastated.”

He remained so yesterday. His younger brother, Björn Helge, who plays for Lilleström, was quoted in the Norwegian media as saying that he had tried to get in contact with Riise, only to receive a text message saying that he was not in the mood to talk and would not be for some time. Given that he was said to be struggling with fears that he will be sold in the summer, it is not surprising that the 27-year-old's spirits are low.

Riise will need to be pulled out of his melancholy, though, with the likelihood that he will be needed against Chelsea on Wednesday because Fábio Aurélio, whom he replaced as a substitute early in the second half on Tuesday, has a groin injury. “We have got to get John's head right because he will have an important job to play next week,” Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, said. “John has been here a long time and done great things for this club. As captain, I cannot point any fingers.”

Sports psychologists said that Riise's attempt to head away Salomon Kalou's dipping cross, rather than risk using his weaker right foot, was born out of an instantaneous mental evaluation of his relative strengths.

Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology at Lancaster University, said: “Hindsight is always 20/20 vision and he could have stuck out his foot, but it's an instantaneous thing. It's a very stressful situation, an automatic response. He just would not have time to think.”

Dr Richard Cox, who has the task of building up the confidence of the Scotland rugby union team, said that Riise would need to be carefully managed to get his confidence back. “He can't turn back time,” he said. “But if I was dealing with him I would have him rehearse the moment again, to come to terms with what he wanted to do and how he made the mistake.”

Steven Gerrard Believes Fernando Torres Can Make The Difference In Return Leg Against Chelsea

It is four years and eight visits since Liverpool last scored at Stamford Bridge, which is the very least they will need to do against Chelsea next Wednesday if they are to reach another Champions League final, but Steven Gerrard is adamant not only that it can be done but that it will be done. The difference, he says, is that this time they will have Fernando Torres in their team.

Torres has scored 30 goals in a remarkable debut season for Liverpool and while he may have been frustrated twice on Tuesday night by Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal, Gerrard is confident that the Spain forward will end the Merseyside club's miserable record in West London when it matters. Torres was missing with a hamstring injury when Liverpool managed a 0-0 draw away to Chelsea earlier in the Barclays Premier League campaign and, with the forward now firing on all cylinders, Gerrard believes that the 24-year-old could prove the difference in the second leg.

“Chelsea might have a slight advantage, but there is another 90 minutes to go and we have got to have the belief and confidence that we can go through, otherwise it would be pointless going there,” Gerrard said. “We haven't been to Stamford Bridge yet with Fernando Torres in the team - and that could make a difference. I could see on his face how disappointed he was at not scoring, but that's how he is. He expects to score in every game and, to be fair, he has done more often than not. It was still apparent how he causes real problems for defences and it will be the same down there. You wouldn't put it past him to get that all-important away goal that could end up taking us through.

“We can take encouragement from that and from the way we played in the first game. This team just never knows when it's beaten - and that particularly applies in Europe. Some teams might have come away from something like this with their chins on the floor, but not us. We will pick ourselves up and be ready for the return game. We have been to places like Inter Milan and Arsenal and scored, so I don't see why we can't do the same at Stamford Bridge.”

The problem for Liverpool is that Chelsea possess such a formidable home record - unbeaten in 100 domestic matches, unless one includes the Carling Cup defeat by Charlton Athletic in a penalty shoot-out (which José Mourinho certainly did not). The only visiting team to have beaten Chelsea on their own turf since February 2004, in the final months of Claudio Ranieri's reign, was when Mourinho's team succumbed to Barcelona in the Champions League in February 2006. Manchester United will try to end their unbeaten record in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, but Liverpool's record in that particular part of London is awful. Since December 1989, they have won there only once - and that in January 2004, thanks to a goal from the forgotten Bruno Cheyrou.

José Manuel Reina, the goalkeeper, admitted to a profound sense of disappointment, but he stated that Liverpool could reach the final and he, too, suggested that Torres could be the key. “It was bitterly disappointing, but we still have another 90 minutes to try and reach another Champions League final,” Reina said. “We are the underdogs now - that is clear enough - but we have scored in every game in this competition this season, so why not again at Stamford Bridge? They are a great team and it is a tough stadium to go to, but we are Liverpool. That means something.

“A clean sheet is my aim, because I know there is every chance we will score. It has to be a team effort, but Fernando can be the key for us. It wasn't his best game [on Tuesday], but you only have to look at the statistics to see what he can do to defences. He has been outstanding, absolutely fantastic, and hopefully there will be more of the same next Wednesday.”

The myth of Anfield

Liverpool fans should not despair that their best chance of reaching the final has gone — the so-called Anfield factor is a myth. Home advantage in Europe for Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal has been far more marked than for Liverpool recently.

European games over past four seasons (assuming 3pts for win and 1pt for draw in knockout rounds and qualifiers):

United Home: 2.65pts per game. Away: 1.4. Home advantage: 1.25.

Chelsea Home: 2.29. Away: 1.27. Home advantage: 1.02.

Arsenal Home: 2.33. Away: 1.62. Home advantage: 0.71.

Liverpool Home: 2.18. Away: 1.81. Home advantage: 0.37.

Rafa Benitez Confident Liverpool Can Still Make It To Moscow

Rafael Benitez left Anfield with his confidence undiminished last night despite Liverpool’s late surrender of an away goal to Chelsea.

John Arne Riise scored an own goal with virtually the last touch of the first leg of the semi-final tie to cancel out Dirk Kuyt’s first-half strike and leave Avram Grant’s side in the ascendancy going into next Wednesday’s return.

Benitez has never sent out a Liverpool side that has even scored a goal at Stamford Bridge during his four seasons in charge but he now needs at least two to take the tie in the 90 minutes.

However, after seeing Liverpool denied extending their lead on the night by a series of fine Petr Cech saves, the Spaniard believes his players can now take their opportunities to get to a second Champions League final.

“It will be difficult but we have confidence,” said Benitez. “We had three clear chances and in these games it’s not easy to create anything.

“So I am really disappointed because you need to take good chances.

“Now we need two goals at Stamford Bridge to win it in 90 minutes so we if we have chances again we have to take them.

He added: “We are very disappointed to concede at the end, especially an own goal, but we need to change our change our minds now and start thinking positively.

“We need to change the statistics right now, that’s the only thing we can do.

“Watching the team today, especially in the first 30 minutes of the second half, we were on top of them. And we will need some luck.”

Benitez was critical of the Austrian officials, as Riise’s calamitous late header seemed to come after the allotted four minutes of stoppage time had been played.

There also appeared to be good claims for a penalty in the first half when Kuyt appeared to be pushed by Ashley Cole – but the appeals were ignored by referee Konrad Plautz, who also took charge of Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Marseille at Anfield in the group stages.

“It’s not the first time we’ve had decisions against us,”

said Benitez. “It was the same in the Marseille game.

I’ve seen too many things and I’d prefer not to say too much now.

“But it’s hard to understand. We had 94, 95 minutes and that’s difficult to explain. One minute in the first half, four in the second.

“But we can’t blame the referee for the own goal. The player can put it in the stand or out to the side so everybody is really disappointed in this situation.

“Now we need to go there and win.”

Under-fire co-owner Tom Hicks attended last night’s game after meeting with Benitez earlier in the day at Melwood.

Benitez, who has been given the verbal support of Hicks should he remain in control of the club at the end of the ongoing power struggle with fellow American George Gillett, said: “We had a meeting just to say hello and we will maybe have a meeting with both owners and everyone else. It will be more positive when we are all together.

“But if we have anything important to say we will say it.”

Meanwhile, Avram Grant believes Chelsea took a “big step” towards the Champions League final after their injury-time draw.

He said: “I know that 1-1 away from home in Europe is good result. It is a big step now towards our goal.

“I felt we deserved it. There could have been a couple of penalties for us and we controlled the game until Liverpool scored.

“Both goals came from mistakes, but I must also praise Petr Cech.

“It is always difficult for teams to play at Anfield with the support Liverpool’s fans create, but it can also be intimidating for teams who visit Stamford Bridge.

“We know this is a big step towards the Champions League final now, and we believe we can complete the task in the second leg.”

Drama in Anfield Directors' Box Rivals Action On Pitch

Reds fans have accused American owners of not singing from the same hymn sheet . . . and it seemed Tom Hicks might not have known the words.

The American made a show of belting out You’ll Never Walk Alone before the game.

Although it was difficult to pick out his Texan twang among the din, observers said he was falling behind with the words.

His sons waved scarves above their heads as the party tried to get into the swing.

It was all part of the biggest sideshow in football.

The warring factions in the battle for control of Anfield took their seats in the directors’ box last night.

It was no surprise they did not sit together.

The Hicks party took the front seats, with members from the Dubai International Capital team in the rows behind.

Rick Parry and David Moores sat together at the back of the box.

But for more than 90 minutes the different groups seemed united. It was smiles all round as Liverpool seemed to be heading towards victory before the last-minute heartbreak.

Merseyside police had advised Hicks to stay away, but that if he was determined to come, to turn up early.

He duly obliged by arriving at the ground well before kick-off. He took his seat moments before the first whistle, arriving to some muted boos and jeers.

His sons were also animated during the game, waving scarves and gesturing during exciting moments.

Then disaster struck in the cruellest way possible with John Arne Riise’s own goal.

The American faces in Liverpool's director's box looked aghast at Chelsea's last-gasp equaliser.

Hicks, seen earlier hugging his sons after Dirk Kuyt's opener, stared blankly straight ahead as he contemplated a game they should have won.

Chief executive Parry sat a few rows behind, days after the Texan publicly called on him to step down from his position.

Also present were DIC’s chief negotiator Amanda Staveley and chief executive Sameer Al-Ansari, who attended as guests of George Gillett, who missed the match through illness.

It was the first time Al Ansari and Hicks Snr had met since talks with the investment company broke down last month.

With other famous faces including Fabio Capello, Sven Goran Eriksson, Steve Mclaren, Football Association chief executive and Liverpool fan Brian Barwick, and Steven Gerrard's wife Alex Curran, the action in the director's box was almost as intriguing as what was happening on the pitch.

On the Kop, there were little protests to be heard against the club's American owners and the usual “Yanks Out, DIC SOS” banners were missing for the big match.

Liverpool fan Neil Roberts, 30, from Aigburth, said: “Watching what was happening in the directors’ box was almost as interesting as the match itself.

“Obviously Hicks wanted to be seen singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, after he drank from his LFC mug the other day, but he made a bit of a mess of it.

“There was plenty of smiles as the main protagonists sat just yards from each other, but we all know it was just for the cameras.”

Tom Hicks Ready To Fund Liverpool Transfer Spree

Tom Hicks, the controversial Liverpool co-owner, has held talks with Rafael Benítez about a possible summer transfer strategy as he battles to ride the storm that continues to rage around the club. The two met on Tuesday morning and again yesterday, with Hicks promising to support Benítez in his pursuit of potential reinforcements such as Gareth Barry, the Aston Villa captain.

Whether Hicks will continue to call the shots at Anfield beyond the end of the season remains unclear, with Dubai International Capital (DIC) still confident that it will effectively take control by buying George Gillett Jr's 50 per cent stake at the end of May. But Hicks, who maintains that DIC's ambitions will not be realised, continues to talk and act like a man who believes that he will be running the club for both the short and the long term.

Hicks made a rare appearance at Anfield on Tuesday night as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea in their Champions League semi-final, first leg, having spoken to Benítez at Melwood, the training ground, earlier. The Texan and his son, Tom Jr, a fellow director, returned to Melwood yesterday morning, when they held further conversations with Benítez, listening to his well-documented frustrations and discussing potential transfer targets and how any such moves would be financed.

“We had a great meeting,” Hicks said before yesterday's second discussion. “We talked about a lot of things and it was very positive and encouraging. We have agreed to meet again and it is a very healthy situation. Rafa is happy and wants to talk about where he is taking the club.”

There were claims from some sources that Benítez had told Hicks that he was unwilling to discuss anything of significance unless Gillett, the Texan's estranged co-owner, and Rick Parry, the chief executive, were in attendance. But Hicks said: “I am surprised if anyone else is saying different. We plan to all get together and discuss the future and Rafa is happy with that.”

Those words hinted at a breakthrough of sorts, but there are no other signs that a peace summit is in prospect. Gillett remains determined to sell his 50 per cent stake to DIC in the belief that, despite Hicks's fierce objections, it will be able to buy at the end of May, at the expiry of a 90-day exclusivity period offering Hicks first option on his partner's shares. Hicks, who has also caused consternation by demanding the resignation of Parry, maintains that no such clause exists in the share document and that DIC - which sent Sameer al-Ansari, its chief executive, and Amanda Staveley, the chief negotiator, to Anfield on Tuesday - will not get a single share in the club.

Benítez, meanwhile, has a list of potential summer targets, including Barry, the England midfield player, whose arrival would cast serious doubts about the future of Xabi Alonso at Anfield. Other targets include a right back, at least one winger and several promising young players.

Villa are determined not to lose Barry, their most influential player, and are preparing to offer a significant improvement on his £42,000-a-week contract. “If players are doing really well and deserving of new contracts or renegotiated deals, I have not got a problem with that,” Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, said yesterday.